Biography

LABEL CONTACTS:
Ethan Burkhardt | CEO | ethan@pinecastlemusic.com
Kyle Watson | Director of Marketing | kyle@pinecastlemusic.com

The wait is finally over as chart-topping banjo extraordinaire Daniel Grindstaff releases his highly anticipated debut solo album, Heroes and Friends. The star-studded project includes a total of 10 new recordings, bringing together some of the biggest artists of all-time in the Bluegrass, Roots and Country music worlds.

With many years in the music industry performing with greats like the Osborne Brothers, Jim & Jesse McReynolds, Marty Raybon and many more, the release marks a full-circle moment for Grindstaff by bringing a life’s worth of inspiration into one project. Every track from Heroes and Friends was produced and arranged by Grindstaff. The who’s-who list of featured artists include Dolly Parton, Doyle Lawson, Paul Brewster, Jimmy Fortune, Trey Hensley, Jeff Tolbert, Andy Leftwich, Rickey Wasson and Kevin Richardson. From start to finish, the collection flows cohesively, with the East Tennessee native’s electrifying banjo playing throughout. Other notable names providing instrumentation and vocals include Darrin Vincent (Dailey & Vincent), Rhonda Vincent, Shawn Lane (Blue Highway), Kent Blanton, Jesse Brock, Derek Deakins, Stephen Burwell, Josh Swift, John Meador, Jeff Parker, Josh Doss and Mike Rogers.

“Recording this album has been the honor and experience of a lifetime,” says Daniel Grindstaff. “I’ll forever be thankful for the kindness of each artist who joined me in the studio, making my vision for these songs come to life.”

The album has already proven to be a massive success with radio DJs. To date, the project has already notched FOUR No. 1 hits on the Bluegrass Today charts. The singles “Three Arrows,” “Finnland” and the 2-time 2024 IBMA nominated song “Forever Young” all hit the top spot, with the latter featuring Dolly Parton and Paul Brewster becoming Grindstaff’s very first chart-topper on the Bluegrass Unlimited Monthly Airplay Survey earlier this year. The follow-up “Looking At The World Through A Windshield” featuring Trey Hensley instantly struck a chord with DJs, reaching No. 2, while the Gospel single "Child of the King" reached #1 on the Bluegrass Today Gospel Airplay Chart.

Daniel Grindstaff is excited to reveal his latest single, “My Last Old Dollar” featuring Kevin Richardson, available now via Bonfire Music Group. A modern Bluegrass twist on a traditional tune, the song delivers a heartfelt message about the longing for home and the helplessness of running out of money far from it.

“My Last Old Dollar” showcases Daniel Grindstaff's remarkable banjo skills and brings together a powerhouse group of musicians, including Kevin Richardson on lead vocals, Shawn Lane on harmony vocals, Kent Blanton on bass, Jesse Brock on mandolin, Derek Deakins and Stephen Burwell on fiddle and Trey Hensley on guitar. The song’s nostalgic yet lively energy, coupled with its seasoned instrumental lineup, captures the essence of modern Bluegrass while paying homage to the genre’s roots. Prior to its release, the track had already struck a chord with DJs and listeners, spending three weeks in the Top Ten on the Bluegrass Today Weekly Airplay Chart over the summer.

Grindstaff has ramped up his promotional efforts with appearances at SiriusXM studios in NYC, WSM 650-AM’s Coffee, Country & Cody, the Bluegrass Unlimited podcast, Banjo Radio’s Liner Notes, and many more over the summer. The new single has garnered praise from several publications, with Hollywood Digest stating, “It’s another brisk instrumental performance focused on the trio of Grindstaff’s banjo, Jesse Brock’s mandolin, and dueling fiddles courtesy of Stephen Burwell and Derek Deakins.” IndiePulse Music agrees, calling the release of Heroes and Friends “one of the most important events on the 2024 Bluegrass calendar” and praising Grindstaff’s transition from one of Bluegrass’ most respected sidemen to a formative solo artist.


Heroes and Friends Track Listing:
1. Finnland (feat. Andy Leftwich)
2. Forever Young (feat. Paul Brewster & Dolly Parton)
3. I’ll Still Write Your Name In The Sand (feat. Jimmy Fortune)
4. Looking At The World Through A Windshield (feat. Trey Hensley)
5. When You’re Smiling
6. Colleen Malone (feat. Rickey Wasson)
7. Jesse James (feat. Doyle Lawson)
8. Child Of The King (feat. Jeff Tolbert)
9. My Last Old Dollar (feat. Kevin Richardson)
10. Three Arrows